Reviews

October, October by Katya Balen, Angela Harding

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meredith_vh's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

womanon's review against another edition

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4.0

I found this to be absolutely precious!

mat_tobin's review against another edition

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5.0

Utterly beautiful. I was worried that Katya Balen had peeked with such an incredible, well-researched debut in [b:The Space We're In|38221641|The Space We're In|Katya Balen|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1568604011l/38221641._SY75_.jpg|59898458] but October, October was equally as enjoyable if not a little more for me with the nods to the power and joy of the natural world.

October lives in the woods with her father and she is deeply happy there. When she discovers an abandoned barn owl chick one night she wants to take it home with her but her father reminds her of the rules of wildlife and she must resist. In time though, she finds that she cannot ignore the call and takes 'Stig' in. When 'the woman who is her mother' visits (her parents are divorced with one living in the woods and the other in central London), it sets off a chain of events that changes Stig and October's life forever.

This story is so many things and I'd rather not give it anything away other than to trust in and embrace Balen's beautiful, lyrical prose and satisfying plot. What an absolute treat with a message about story and nature and people and friendship that will stay with you.

marisnini's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

thelibrarymouse_64's review against another edition

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5.0

October, October is a lovely light read for young readers. I enjoyed it so much. I love how Balen describes how October feels in London, and how she feels in the wild. there is such a difference in the October in London and the one in the wild. The feelings are so much stronger when she is in London. She feels scared, and then happy. I love this book so much.